Ikuru is a boy who doesn't have long to live. Growing up questioning the purpose of his life and the reason for his impending death, he's constantly confused and lonely. After learning that he doesn't have much time left, he requests that a special "girl" called a AGH-RMS (Artificial Genes Human Regenerated for Mental Support) be given to him. These people are genetically made so that they help heal and ease the mental burdens of the terminally ill.

This manga is cute, sad, and ultimately a story about life, death, and humanity.

At first I was skeptical about this series, what with the 'ecchi' tag in it, but since I was strongly recommended to read it, I gave it a go. And I'm glad that I did.Ai-ren is truly a beautiful story that explores life and death, and ultimately- love. What made this manga great is the masterful stroy-telling by Tanaka Yutaka that compels readers into laughter as well as tears, moving across a range of emotions to portray loss, destruction, hope etc...Also, despite it being labelled as 'ecchi', the nudity and ecchi parts are rendered beautifully, and add to the general atmosphere and tone of the manga.Bottom-line: a must read!

This story made me cry alot,but of sadness AND happiness.The love between the 2 main characters is really beautiful and an example of true,unconditional love.The ending was really sad but was a ending that needed to be made.There is alot of joy in this series and it can be quite peaceful sometimes.I'd highly recommend it,if you think you can take the sadness at some times.This is most definitely the best manga I've ever read so far

This manga.... very sad, touching, and can really put you through a myriad of emotions for the charaters. To be honest, this is not the type of manga i'm particulary into and out of sheer will i picked it up, and i'm glad i did.

This manga seriously left a impression on me, execellent job by Tanaka-sensei.

Really reccommend this. Think it's awesome, the slow progress, the feel of being in it, the fact it makes you continue reading and reading and reading... and then you complete it and you cry as a small child...

I have read it as scanlation... but going to buy it, even in Jap. It's well worth it.